Transcript Highlights:

• Staff and then we will call the prime sponsor. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Okay, and in the meanwhile, a ranking member has a question for staff.
• For the record, Martha Whaling, staff to the committee. Thank you.
• and nonpartisan staff.
• Thank you. all the interested parties, including caucus staff and nonpartisan staff.

Summary: The committee opened with a work session on effective interrogation techniques, hearing from two remote experts, retired homicide detective Matt Jones and former federal agent Mark Fallon. Both argued for science-based, information-gathering interviewing over confrontational or deception-based tactics, emphasizing rapport, open-ended questioning, corroboration, and avoiding coercion, especially with vulnerable interviewees. They said these methods improve reliability, reduce false confessions and wrongful convictions, and better withstand court scrutiny. Members asked for source materials and raised concerns about how friendly or minimization-style questioning could affect victims; the witnesses said they would provide research and noted that some common tactics can be problematic in sexual assault cases. No votes were taken in the work session. The committee then held a hearing on House Bill 1982, which would expand Washington’s existing process for vacating convictions tied to treaty rights. Staff explained that current law mainly covers pre-1975 fishing convictions, while the bill would extend relief to convictions involving treaty fishing, hunting, gathering, and pasturing rights, remove the date limit, include local ordinances, authorize the Office of Public Defense to provide direct representation and consultation, and create a tribal liaison position. The prime sponsor and tribal leaders testified in support, describing the bill as a way to correct historical wrongs and remove barriers to jobs, housing, and other opportunities. The Office of Public Defense said it supports the bill but needs statutory authority and a hub to identify and process cases; an Attorney General’s Office tribal liaison also supported the concept and suggested clarifying amendments. Some members questioned the scope of the affected population, costs, and whether the legislature could vacate the convictions directly, while others raised concerns about competing resource demands and the need for judicial action case by case. No final action was taken. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 2156, which would expand the Attorney General’s Office investigators’ authority in limited circumstances. Staff said the bill would let AGO investigators exercise only the authority of the entity granting concurrent jurisdiction, allow them to serve business search warrants only when authorized by a judicial officer, and clarify that they cannot detain, arrest, or carry weapons. The bill sponsor said it would reduce delays in economic-crime cases by allowing investigators to serve electronic warrants themselves instead of relying on local officers. Opponents from the sheriffs and police chiefs association and a retired veteran argued the bill blurs the line between investigation and prosecution, lacks sufficient oversight, and could create constitutional and training concerns. AGO representatives responded that the bill is narrowly focused, that most investigators are retired law enforcement, and that it would mainly streamline service of electronic warrants in cases such as organized retail theft and wage theft. The hearing was still in progress when the transcript ended, and no vote was recorded on this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• He also wanted to be sure I extend his sincere thanks to the committee staff for their work on this bill
• I will say briefly that we'd like to thank the committee staff for the work on the bill, and particularly
• During the development of a broader safety project, Caltrans staff integrated two wildlife underpasses
• , and leveraging resources for outdoor equity.
• And I really appreciated working with you and your staff on this, Mr.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm John Kim, committee staff. Before you is SB 6091.
• Do we have any questions for staff? Senator Gaynor. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• I'd ask staff to follow up with the committee. Thank you.
• Do committee members have any questions for staff?
• This might be a question for staff.

Bills: SB6091, SB6096, SB6153, SB6200

Keywords: SB 6091, Washington real estate, real estate broker, residential property, home listings, exclusive listing, limited marketing, open marketing, fair housing, brokerage law, consumer protection, housing access, MLS, seller disclosure, buyer representation, dual agency, designated broker, managing broker, short sale, real estate pamphlet

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite how far we have come, we must keep pushing for equity and pushing back against hate, especially
• stands in solidarity with our Asian and Pacific Islander American communities because the fight for equity
• and they require continued vigilance, meaningful investment, and commitment to public safety and equity
• works to foster relationships with local partners to advance policies that support student success, equity
• provides education about Locke's history and legacy through preservation and cultural activities, helps staff

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a ceremonial observance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support of House Resolution 107, which designates May as AAPI Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s contributions, resilience, and the need to confront discrimination and hate. The resolution was adopted, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month celebration, highlighting leaders in education, business, labor, media, cultural preservation, and public service. After guest introductions, the Assembly took up a series of bills. Measures discussed included HOA reserve funding for common interest developments (AB 2050), professional review requirements for lawsuits against design professionals (AB 2106), direct home delivery of enteral formula (AB 1794), expanded CalWORKs-related support for student parents (AB 1829), longer insurance moratoriums for wildfire survivors (AB 2038), election cybersecurity (AB 2281), medical privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (AB 2448), water district board compensation (AB 2568), county public contract change-order authority (AB 1658), and several other education, health, and licensing bills. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 2050 passed 44-6, AB 2038 passed 45-8, AB 2448 passed 49-13, and AB 1658 passed 61-2, while several others passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and affirming California’s mail voting system. The resolution prompted extended debate over election integrity, voter access, and federal versus state authority, with supporters arguing mail voting is secure and accessible and opponents calling for stronger voter list maintenance and verification. The resolution passed 47-13. In addition, ACR 141 and ACR 123 were adopted by voice vote after co-author roll calls, and the chamber continued or passed on numerous other file items as it worked through the daily file.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mytefrias, UC Board of Regents staff representative and UC Davis SHSI Director, strongly in support.
• Senator Cervantes would also like to thank the chair and committee and the committee staff for their
• , and staff.
• Have we identified how many staff would be impacted by this?
• How many staff members will this new role impact?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can we have a staff report? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Karen, committee staff, before you is Senate Bill 5820.
• This reform is also about equity.
• Can we have a staff presentation? Thank you, Mr.
• There's a lot of different types, as staff gave.

Bills: SB5820, SB6064, SB6077, SB6101, SB6013, SB6066

Keywords: freight rail, rail corridor, short-line railroad, rail-dependent uses, industrial land use, growth management act, GMA, comprehensive plan, transportation element, land use planning, local government, county planning, city planning, critical areas, agricultural lands, forest lands, mineral resource lands, urban growth area, development regulations, notice on permits

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Kelly Simpson with committee staff.
• We want our staff to reflect the communities we work in and that we serve.
• We have some geotechnical staff that we then deployed. We had, I don't know...
• We had some geotechnical staff that we then deployed.
• And I'll pass along your thanks to our staff. Thank you so much.

Bills: SB5989

Keywords: aircraft fuel tax, tax revenue distribution, aviation funding, transportation, state revenue, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, our Democratic staff, ably led by Christian Griffith, the Republican staff that I know also
• Of course, our Democratic staff, ably led by Christian Griffith, the Republican staff that I know also
• . our Democratic staff, ably led by Christian Griffith, the Republican staff that I know also worked
• The speaker staff, including Jason Sysney, and then my personal staff.
• Since then, the author, the Speaker staff, and the committee staff have only continued to work with the

Summary: The Assembly met on June 4, 2025, first establishing a quorum and then moving through a long budget and concurrence session. After procedural motions, the house took up several budget trailer bills and related measures presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 103, a technical budget cleanup bill addressing the Public School System Stabilization Account, a CDCR shortfall, and Middle Class Scholarship funding, passed 52-16. SB 120 on child care and preschool funding passed 65-1; SB 124 on natural resources and wildfire response passed 69-1; SB 127 on climate change and zero-emission transportation passed 53-17; SB 128 on transportation and DMV/LA Olympics implementation passed 53-17; SB 132 on taxation, veterans, wildfire settlements, film tax credits, and housing passed 64-1; SB 141 on cannabis enforcement and illicit market suppression passed 71-1; and SB 142 extending the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program passed 68-1 on both urgency and the measure. The Assembly also approved a motion to re-refer several bills to committees and later suspended rules to take up Senate-amended bills without reference to file. The chamber then considered AB 102, the main budget bill reflecting the final three-party agreement with the Governor. Supporters said it balanced compassion and fiscal responsibility while preserving housing, health care, child care, education, wildfire resilience, and public safety funding. Opponents criticized it for unsustainable spending, insufficient Prop. 36 funding, and other omissions. After extended debate, the Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments by a 55-16 vote and sent the bill to the Governor. The Assembly then concurred in Senate amendments to AB 116 on health care, AB 118 on human services, AB 121 on TK-12 education, AB 123 on higher education, AB 134 on public safety, AB 136 on courts, AB 137 on general government, and AB 143 on developmental services, with each bill passing on largely party-line or broad bipartisan votes. Debate on AB 116 focused on Medi-Cal, HIV program backfills, pharmacy benefit managers, and health care cuts; opponents objected to funding for undocumented immigrants and to hospice prior authorization. AB 118 drew support for child welfare, CalFresh disaster readiness, and CalWORKs simplification. AB 121 emphasized record K-12 funding and a $1.7 billion block grant. AB 123 extended the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and supported higher education and fire-impacted career technical education. AB 134 updated CDCR and tribal policing provisions, AB 136 streamlined court reporting and funded courthouse facilities, AB 137 made technical budget adjustments and fee changes, and AB 143 made developmental services reforms while preserving the state’s entitlement commitment. The final item shown was AB 470 on telecommunications, which was presented and discussed as a transition away from copper landlines toward fiber and modern networks, with supporters emphasizing public benefits and labor concerns, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before I begin, I want to thank the committee and their staff for their work on this issue and let you
• committee for their work on the measure and also want to express my gratitude to the author and his staff
• We want to thank the author, their staff, and sponsor for their efforts to address our members' concerns
• Cervantes or her staff and you're able to come to the committee room, we would appreciate it.
• provide more opportunities for California homeowners to increase their capacity as well as build home equity

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We see this as an equity issue and a fairness issue, and we would like to establish a rate specifically
• My name is Catherine Leigh-Goyette, and I'm a staff attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation.
• My name is Catherine Leigh-Goyette, and I'm a staff attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation.
• And then the lobbyists went where they've been going for years to stop action on climate, including equity
• I think I dropped off around: gas does not affect all communities equally, making it a health equity

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• gear up to kick off FY 27, I have complete confidence that myself, my partners, my colleagues, and my staff
• I want to thank my staff in particular for all the hard work that they did in this calendar year of 2025
• with diverse investment managers through the Future Initiative created to implement the investment equity
• We've also adopted a responsible workforce management policy and approach to our private equity investments
• to systemize our And approach to our private equity investments to systemize our due diligence on this

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate and House Ways and Means chairs opened the FY 2027 consensus revenue hearing by emphasizing the need for a balanced, fiscally responsible budget amid federal funding cuts, health care cost pressures, and uncertainty around the federal tax law changes referred to as OB3. They also noted the state’s current revenue performance is slightly above benchmark and paid tribute to the late Representative Anne Margaret Ferranti. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorkowitz echoed the call for caution, saying Massachusetts has protected core services while building reserves and that the FY27 budget process begins with a careful revenue estimate. Department of Revenue Commissioner Jeff Snyder, along with DOR staff, presented FY26 and FY27 tax forecasts and identified major drivers and risks: OB3’s negative impact on state revenue, surtax collections, labor market conditions, capital gains, and corporate/business excise taxes. DOR estimated OB3 would reduce FY26 revenue by about $664 million and FY27 by about $282 million, while surtax and capital gains were expected to remain strong in FY26 but soften in FY27. Members questioned the outlook for surtax, capital gains, and the potential fiscal effect of a ballot question reducing the income tax rate from 5% to 4%; DOR said that proposal could cost roughly $4.2 billion to $4.8 billion annually, with a smaller but still significant impact in FY27 because of phase-in timing. Treasurer Deb Goldberg testified next on the stabilization fund, lottery, PRIM, unclaimed property, and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. She reported the rainy day fund at about $8.1 billion, said the lottery was on track for $1.5 billion in FY26 net profit and projected $1.25 billion in FY27, and highlighted that iLottery is expected to launch in summer 2026 with revenue beginning in FY27 and dedicated to child care initiatives. She also described strong PRIM performance and record unclaimed property returns, while members asked about the child care use of iLottery revenue, multilingual outreach, and the economic impact of expanded liquor licensing. Mass Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate and Tufts’ Evan Horowitz then offered differing revenue outlooks and policy warnings. Howgate projected modest growth, cautioned against overusing reserves for ongoing obligations, and urged caution on federal tax conformity changes and health care spending pressures. Horowitz projected higher FY26 and FY27 revenues than other witnesses, warned that the surtax and capital gains make the tax system more volatile, and said a 4% income tax ballot question could reduce FY27 revenues by roughly $800 million to $1 billion. He also flagged the rent control ballot question as a potential risk to municipal finance and suggested the state consider giving a permanent home to the independent revenue model used by Alan Clayton-Matthews.

Transcript Highlights:

• Private equity is coming into college athletics now, right? There's deals being cut.
• And we subsequently found out that they went out to private equity to raise money.
• institution makes into these student athletes, to then just watch them leave in 10 months, it's hard on the staff
• institution makes into these student athletes, to then just watch them leave in 10 months, it's hard on the staff
• some really good things to look at for strengthening the law and the support to be able to provide equity

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, again, I thank the committee, the chairwoman, and the staff for working with us on this.
• Well, again, I thank the committee, the chairwoman, and the staff for working with us on this.
• I also want to thank all of the members of this committee and their staff for ...on this bill.
• I want to thank the chair, your staff, your personal staff, everybody else involved in getting us here
• I want to thank the chair, your staff, your personal staff, everybody else involved in getting us here

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We discuss it, and then they realized that sometimes it was a training issue for the staff.
• Actually, Kasha represents... ...staff for meeting with us previously.
• All board and staff complete DCA-required DEIA and unconscious bias training.
• For us, equity and safety are inseparable.
• This statement was recorded and shared with legislative staff.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From his time on my staff here in the Senate to the time that he spent at the Federal Trade Commission
• It was a pleasure meeting with several of you and your staff over the past weeks, and it is an honor
• Provides clear guidance and ensures the public's trust in the agency, and FTC staff need leaders who
• I will say the FTC staff have gotten very good at doing a lot with often much less.
• I'd be happy to help the staff and commissioners look into those issues.

Keywords: Senate Committee, Commerce, Science, Technology, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, FTC, Consumer Protection, Innovation, Emerging Technologies

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation featured significant discussions regarding technological advancements and their implications for the future. Notably, nominations were made for key positions in the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Federal Trade Commission. Committee members expressed the importance of leading in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, emphasizing that the pace of innovation is crucial for maintaining the United States' global position as a leader in technology. The discussions also highlighted the role of the FTC in protecting consumers from deceptive business practices and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace. Attendees underscored the urgency of advancing research and development in areas such as quantum computing, as evidenced by a demonstration of a new quantum chip anticipated to redefine computing capabilities across industries. Various members engaged in vibrant exchanges, showing support for initiatives aimed at bolstering innovation through public and private collaboration. Overall, the meeting set a strong agenda for pursuing future science and technology policies that ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global advancements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Violet Spidler, on behalf of the California Employment Lawyers Association and Tech Equity Action, in
• We, Senator McNerney, All right, Senator McNerney, Senator DeRazzo, or Senator Cortese, if your staff
• I want to thank the committee staff for their work and apologize for making you wait for me to come here
• Violet Spidler, on behalf of the California Employment Lawyers Association and Tech Equity Action, in

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker protections, AI in the workplace, bereavement leave, and construction labor standards. SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would increase public works contractor registration fees, raise prevailing wage and related penalties, and direct half of collected penalties back into the Public Works Enforcement Fund. Supporters said the bill would help combat wage theft and misclassification and strengthen enforcement; opponents argued the higher fees and penalties would burden contractors without fixing enforcement backlogs. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to Appropriations. The committee also approved SB 951 by Senator Reyes, which would require 60-day notice when 25 or more workers are displaced by technology and require reporting on AI-related job impacts. Supporters framed it as a response to rapid AI-driven layoffs and a way to gather real-time data; opponents raised concerns about small employers, proprietary information, and litigation. SB 947 by Senator McNerney, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” would require human review of automated discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and restrict predictive behavior analysis. Supporters said it would prevent biased or mistaken automated decisions; opponents objected to the inclusion of independent contractors, private rights of action, and other provisions. Both bills were advanced to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also passed SB 1149 by Senator Durazo, which would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person,” including chosen family relationships. Supporters, including AARP and a witness who described losing a long-term partner, said the bill reflects modern family structures; there was no opposition. In addition, SB 1185 by Senator Cortese, applying skilled and trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction, was approved despite opposition from business and construction groups who said there was no demonstrated safety problem and that the mandate could raise costs and reduce competition. Several other bills on the consent calendar were also approved, and all measures were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Violet Spidler, on behalf of the California Employment Lawyers Association and Tech Equity
• We, Senator McNerney, All right, Senator McNerney, Senator DeRazo, or Senator Cortese, if your staff
• I want to thank the committee staff for their work and apologize for making you wait for me to come here
• Violet Spidler on behalf of the California Employment Lawyers Association and Tech Equity Action in support

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• here today shows that they are committed to ensuring lawmakers know the importance of accessibility, equity
• here today shows that they are committed to ensuring lawmakers know the importance of accessibility, equity
• Taxpayers can contact their assessor and ask for a recheck request, which is a process where the assessor staff
• There are some counties that have the staff and the organization where they're visiting properties every

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when the unions had a problem inside an agency, and this is three or four years ago where pay equity
• not equal and longevity was not added, this doesn't include the $17 million for longevity and pay equity
• And we've been working with the secretary, along with the sponsor, legislative staff.
• Last fall, and we've been working with the secretary, along with the sponsor, legislative staff, and

Summary: The committee first discussed the state budget and employee compensation, focusing on the 1% pay increase proposal and the broader cost of state employee raises and benefits. Members noted that over the past several years the state has invested heavily in payroll, pension contributions, pay studies, and band realignments, and several senators argued that the 80/20 health insurance change and other benefit improvements amount to significant compensation increases even without an additional raise. Others cautioned that recurring revenue is limited, that recent revenue collections were weaker than expected, and that the state should be careful about committing to ongoing costs given possible economic slowdown, federal uncertainty, drought, wildfire risk, and the possibility of future budget pressure. The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 177, a major economic development proposal centered on quantum computing, advanced energy, robotics, synthetic biology, and related technologies. Supporters described the bill as a large strategic investment intended to leverage New Mexico’s national laboratories, universities, and existing quantum workforce to attract companies, create high-wage jobs, and diversify the economy. Testimony emphasized that much of the quantum workforce would be skilled trades and technicians rather than Ph.D.-level researchers, and members asked detailed questions about whether the state would receive long-term returns, how intellectual property and clawbacks would be handled, and whether the package included recurring costs. Witnesses also explained the bill’s trade association and workforce-development components, and several senators raised concerns about energy use, water use, guardrails, and ensuring the state does not subsidize outside interests without benefits returning to New Mexico. After debate, the committee moved to table SB 177 indefinitely, with members noting that the funding and structure were already incorporated into House Bill 2. The motion passed on an 8-0 vote, with several members excused. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a social equity applicant seeking, sorry.
• States that previously implemented cannabis social equity-like programs have found time and time again
• , net worth, you know, all that different stuff that they get in there to try and help the social equity
• program. ...you know, all that different stuff that they get in there to try and help the social equity
• And on top of that, I mean, I think the only way to really... ...create a social equity program where

Summary: The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules met to review Missouri marijuana microbusiness rule amendments, especially 19 CSR 100-1.060 and 19 CSR 100-1.190. The Department of Cannabis Regulation explained that the changes were intended to clarify what it means for a microbusiness to be “owned and operated” by eligible individuals, move compliance review earlier in the application process, and address repeated instances where licenses were later found to be controlled by ineligible or noncompliant parties. The department said it had used stakeholder outreach, town halls, listening sessions, and public comments in drafting the rules, and noted that 25 standalone comments were received during formal rulemaking. Committee members focused heavily on whether the rules were too broad, whether they effectively punished applicants for past agency revocations, and whether the department had clear authority to impose a lifetime ban on people denied or revoked under the ownership-and-operation provisions. Several members argued the language should be narrowed to intentional or egregious violations and better tied to specific conduct rather than prior agency action. Witnesses from the public, including applicants and attorneys, testified that the department’s guidance on “predatory practices” and acceptable ownership structures had been unclear, that some applicants relied on consultant arrangements later deemed problematic, and that similar agreements were treated inconsistently. Others supported stronger enforcement, saying the rules were needed to prevent manipulation of social equity applicants and preserve the constitutional requirements of the program. The committee also discussed training and technical assistance requirements, the five-day document deadline, and whether the department should provide more concrete guidance or model forms. Members raised concerns that the proposed definitions could burden small or first-time business owners and that some applicants might be unfairly penalized despite acting in good faith. No substantive vote on the rule package was taken; instead, the committee voted to adjourn and return on Thursday after working with the department on possible corrections, clarifications, or amendments.